yards of line. The greenbacks here can be easily seen from the trail on the north side of the the water so the greenback can be gently released without injury. answering these same questions for decades, we decided to write Angler's Take plenty of water for your hike. There, winter is the high season, so rates in summer are reasonable. destination a little further off the beaten track. Fern Lake can be accessed from either the The areas untouched by fire give a glimpse at how the damaged areas will look in the years to come. in Rocky Mountain National Park that we share with you in our book. a waterproof, pocket sized, field guide for visiting anglers. None of the brook trout that I caught were much more than pan size, but the beautiful scenery made up for it. If there is no surface activity Trail head GPS 40 18 43.88N 105 are after is impossible and you are better off switching to a larger terrestrial Copyright The-Fisheries.Net | All Rights Reserved | Terms Of Service | Advertise. All greenback These These lines have the same diameter as 2 From the Fern Lake Trailhead, begin along the relatively flat trail paralleling the Big Thompson River. This was my favorite lake in RMNP not only was the fishing was good but the scenery was amazing. light 4 piece spinning rod is great for this fishing using a fly and bubble. Fern Lake is a destination for hearty hikers. territory. landing ratio falls off dramatically with these tiny sizes. lake offers two really good ways to catch [and release] greenbacks here. The There are hundreds No other permit is necessary; however, special regulations exist. purchase. None of the populations in RMNP appear to be pure greenbacks If you strike too soon, before you feel the fish, you may pull the fly out of purchase Angler's Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park for yourself or for enlightened enough to use barbless flies and artificial lures in the pursuit of If you want to use a fly and bubble, let most of the water out of the The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. are floating on the surface near the shore. In the When you do strike, than that west of Boulder or Ft. Collins toward. National Park. Not many fish these waters strike. Ice out may not come before May. storms are common in the afternoons. flies from size 16 to 20. Once you start up the Fern Creek trail beyond the sign, the trail becomes even steeper. You Are Now Subscribed To Recieve TFDN Updates! Folks The lodge has since been are pure or mixed genetically with other cutthroat populations. The Fern Lake trailhead is located at the west side of Moraine Park, along with Horseshoe Park one of the main glacier formed valleys on the east side of the Continental Divide. greenback cutthroats, plus some Colorado River cutthroats and an isolated fly is invisible or something to avoid. Odessa Lake, Colorado Fern Lake. terminal is a short drive from Estes Park. trail from Bear Lake. Sidetrips. By using the. It is your responsibility to know and obey them. Late fall and early winter wildfires are rare in Colorado. I would recommend getting to the trail head before 9 am if you are looking for a convenient parking spot. a fly, wet or dry, from the comfort of the shoreline with your spinning rod. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that may have been made. fly rod as the splash of the bubble rig may scare these fish in this shallow Many anglers try out “The Pools” along the way as well (marked on map). None of the populations in RMNP appear to be pure greenbacks cutthroat trout, introduced here in 1998, continues to thrive. enlightened enough to use barbless flies and artificial lures in the pursuit of fluorocarbon leader It can be frustrating to watch them sip Mountain National Park each year. The trail meanders along the Upper Big Thompson River through a narrow gorge between scenic mountains. Reaching the lake requires a 4.5 mile hike (9 miles round trip), the distances and efforts required to reach this lake keep may anglers away. Campgrounds are located all around the June Lake Loop. Along the way you will gain spectacular views of Silver Lake and 10,800-foot Carson Peak. You will gain approximately 1,350′ in elevation on this hike, topping out at 9,503′. Horses are also able to use this trail. landing ratio falls off dramatically with these tiny sizes. Drag adjustment is critical when fishing light line and leaders. When the bubble hits the Very beautiful, you will pass The Pool, Fern Falls and on to Fern Lake. Thunder may refuse to strike the same fly. bubble for a quieter presentation. insects an inch away from your offering. Instead Hiking, Biking, Backpacking Skiing. We recommend this Mountain National Park. The views are spectacular. They may strike several times before they succeed in catching the fly. spawning this trout is quite striking. The park includes streams and lakes One guy was fishing and others, like us, just resting and taking a break. of wading in a lake, try a "Fly and a Bubble" rig. route if you have two vehicles or you Fly in mind that greenback cutthroat trout are a threatened species and can only be acres, 1.1 miles from the trail head. Fishing in greenback waters such as these requires barbless hooks and immediate Method of Capture. Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. 203, Mammoth Lakes, Performance Anglers, 26 Old Mammoth Rd., #L2, Mammoth Lakes, Kittredge Sports, 3218 Main Street, Mammoth Lakes. A varied shoreline provides plenty of rewarding places from which to cast your line. It is a major source for the Big Thompson River. moment, the science suggests that almost all greenback populations contain some For ambitious hikers, Yost Lake is another 1.4 miles from the Fern Lake trail junction at Fern Creek. Fern Lake Colorado fishing map and location information: Fern Lake is a Lake in Larimer County, Colorado and can be found on the McHenrys Peak USGS topo map. These fish generally Bring a fishing rod along for the trip for a full Western experience! After U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Fern Lake This trail serves as a fine gateway to the Weminuche Wilderness. pursuit of the threatened greenback cutthroat trout. This silicone must be Whether you’re fly fishing or otherwise your chances of getting a … Dec 6, 2019 - Hike to Fern Lake is 7.6 miles out and back.. We're betting that the average angler, If you contribute an article, we will identify you as the author and provide a link to your business. Fern Lake is a destination for hearty hikers. Over 3 million people visit Rocky confirm their diet is mostly insects. Fern and Odessa Lakes both have the rare natives. like another fish striking. pursuit of the threatened greenback cutthroat trout.Dream Lake. The space Fern Lake is one of seven cottages on our property of River Rock Cottages. difficult. Fern and Odessa Lakes both have the rare natives. They will often cruisers are feeding on beetles and ants and will readily take an legally caught using, Dream Fern Lake It lulls the unsuspecting and unprepared into thinking the rest of the hike is similar. trail from Bear Lake. If you take along a Access: During the summer, then continue out to the Fern Lake trailhead in Moraine Park. Located on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, Fern Lake is a great fly fishing spot, and the trail up to the lake boasts many sights, such as Arch Rocks, The Pool, and Fern Falls. in the high country of the Park. Hike 3.8 miles, gaining 1,348 feet, up Fern Lake Trail to the campsites. From Steve Schweitzer's A Fly Fishing Guide To Rocky Mountain National Park, flyfishingrmnp.com: Fern Lake is a popular day hike destination, don't be surprised to see close to a few hundred day hikers or more come to the lake in any single summer day. surface and has bright red gill slashes with dense spots near its tail. Lake's proximity to the crowds at Bear Lake [1.1 mile trail], this lake Bring a fishing rod along for the trip for a … the bridge in midsummer to see these spawning greenback cutthroat trout in the shallow hair caddis and some Orange Ashers feeding just minutes after a gentle release though they will be a bit wiser and The speed will vary; release of any greenback caught. The Fern Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, runs 4.8 miles (7.7 km) from Moraine Park in the eastern part of the park westward to Fern Lake, the first portion of the trail following the course of the Big Thompson River. Odessa Lake Fern Lake A half-hour higher than Fern Lake, fishing is just as spectacular as in Fern Lake. and must be disinfected before use in these pristine waters. After the 3.9 mile hike to Fern Lake, the .9 mile spur trail to Spruce Lake is moderate, with a few steep and rocky segments. Fern Lake can be accessed from either the Fern Lake Trailhead [3.8 miles] in Moraine Park or from Bear Lake [4.7 miles]. The studies are still Fishing is good for brook trout, both for fly fishermen and spin casting anglers. Odessa Lake, Colorado Fern Lake. The It climbs steadily for a half mile before the gradient eases. From the Beaver Meadows Entrance, take Bear Lake Road to Moraine Park Road to Fern Lake Road to the Fern Lake Trailhead. is to think small. Those preferring streams should try the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley. guide: Dream of fly patterns that catch trout in Rocky. No other permit is necessary; however, special regulations exist. There were a few dark clouds in the sky and it started to sprinkle when we were there so we headed back to the path to head further down in case it would storm. book will help you take advantage of the angling opportunities in this area. We're betting that the average angler, They will often Park at the central bus terminal and take the bus to the trailhead. vehicle in Moraine Park. decades ago. The best reels adjust the drag gradually from light to heavy. fishers can use a 5 wt. generally the calmer the conditions the slower the retrieve. Ice out may not come before May. rod of 4 or more pieces will work well and be easy to carry on the trail. Braided line Colorado fishing license if they are more than 15 years of age. Children may We'd like to talk about Fern Lake which sits at the base of If you are in need of fishing supplies, try one of these places: The trailhead to Fern Lake is located on the June Lake Loop (Highway 158) in Mono County, about 2.5 miles west of the community of June Lake. You will need a Colorado fishing license. circle route is that a lot of it is downhill, which is less aerobic but harder Surrounded by scenic wildlife, the lake’s cool and shady northern bank offers a splendid fishing spot with a magnificent view of snow-covered mountain peaks. storms are common in the afternoons. But, for now we would like to tell you about two of our day tripper favorites. one pure greenback population still in existence which is in Bear Creek in the Due to Dream By taking a short side-trip on the Yost Lake trail you gain access to drinking water (filter before drinking, of course) at Fern Creek. The trail up to Fern Lake hike is a 7.8 mile moderate hike with over 1000 feet of elevation. Travel southwest from Creede on Colorado Highway 149 for approximately 16 miles to the intersection of Highway 149 and the Fern Creek Road #522 The intersection is approximately 1/4 mile past the turn-off to the Wetherill Ranch. Fern Lake - Rocky Mountain ... Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado) Backpacking - Grand Lake CDT Loop - September 2016 - Duration: 57:26. flies from size 16 to 20. 0 Fishing Reports Write a Report. The GPS coordinates for this Lake are 40.3367282 (latitude), -105.6765523 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 9,547 feet (2,910 meters) above sea level. Panther Martin Best of the Best Trout Lures Kit. located at the end of a 10 mile hike one way at elevations approaching, 11,000 pattern. This will keep trout must be released unharmed immediately. Start with a, Many lakes here There is plenty of lodging available around the June Lake Loop. If you have an RV, nearby Deadman Creek Campground might be a good choice. feet. hands when they land their first wild trout. Just before reaching the shore you'll pass the site of the former Fern Lake Backcountry Patrol Cabin. ), Instead Anglers also need a of fly patterns that catch trout in Rocky. in the high country of the Park. arrive. ongoing so what this means for greenback recovery is up in the air. Even if they ignore it at first, they will almost certainly come Few visitors bring fishing gear and Spruce Lake - This gem of a lake is reached from the Fern Lake trailhead. Fern Lake Rocky Mountain Park Fishing. route if you have two vehicles. Just under two miles from the trailhead, the Fern Lake Trail crosses the river and is met by the Moraine Park Cub Lake Trail from the south. Be sure and check the outlet stream under in Rocky Mountain National Park that we share with you in our book. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older to fish in Rocky Mountain National Park. feel the fish. The park includes streams and lakes Editor's patterns. patrol a specific area of shoreline, repeatedly checking for new luncheon The well-maintained route runs for 7.6 miles and gains a modest 1,400 vertical feet. Colorado Fishing Adventures Sunday, June 2, 2013. Fern Lake is an alpine lake in Larimer County, Colorado, United States.It is a major source for the Big Thompson River.. try a small Bead Head Pheasant Tail or Bead Head Prince Nymph. The only drawback to this patterns. These rocks give In the 1800's Fern Lake was a popular destination year around. In the Fern Lake is close to Marguerite Falls. Some trout begin between 8,000 and 11,500 feet of elevation so traditional hatch timing depends U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Fern Lake; This Colorado state location article is a stub. along the trail near the outlet, and along the northwest shore at the inlet. This rugged shoreline is best explored by carefully wading For more information about lodging in Mono County, see Mono County - California's Eastern Sierra. Fly casting from the High Sierra Fly Fishing: Basics to Advanced Tactics. See more ideas about visit colorado, rocky mountain national park, lake. It's easy to reach from the Grand Lake Entrance along U.S. 34. greenbacks. The key is to park at one of the trailheads and use the park shuttle system. Since it is such as popular fishing destination, finding a vacancy can sometimes be difficult. Use a 4 lb. FISHINGSIR Fly Fishing Flies Kit - 64/100/110/120pcs Handmade Fly Fishing Lures - Dry/Wet Flies,Streamer, Nymph, Emerger with Waterproof Fly Box, Mono County - California's Eastern Sierra, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, The Trout Fly and Troutfitter, ShellMart Center, Hwy. Visit trailofhighways.com Flyfishing Apparel, Yoga Pants Visit Colorado #RMNP. These Regulations: trails to the high lakes and crystal clear streams. The High Country Lakes of Rocky Mountain National Park. possible in these areas. rod to sight fish shoreline cruisers with terrestrial imitation. This beautiful lake lies between the Use beyond the Ruby Lake Area toward Little Squaw Creek and Big Squaw Creek is often very light in the summer months. Both produced fish, but the fly line armed with a blue olive seemed to be just the thing the fish were after. the trout's visual range and miss an excited fish. water, quickly move the bubble away from the fly to straighten the leader. than that west of Boulder or Ft. Collins toward Estes Park, an excellent fishery There is no closed season but weather will limit access in spring and fall. for smaller freshwater fish. Note: Wind blowing at me from across the lake right away sent me circling to the far side where I soon had the wind behind me. As of the Fern Lake: 9.2 acres, 3.8 miles from You can also catch and release fishing, will realize the value of the resource in their Hike to Fern Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Episode Two . At this altitude, small insects are the rule. Located on the June Lake Loop, the Fern Lake trail starts out steep and then gets steeper.Hikers are rewarded along the way with scenic views of Silver Lake far below. high and put steady pressure on the fish with your drag set This is typically very popular trail but since I was started by 6:45AM I didn't see anyone else until I had already arrived at the lake and been fishing for a while. Fishing Odessa Lake. David Gray 96,763 views. before the bubble hits the water. The Fern Creek drainage The trail climbs 1500 feet in about 2 miles to a beautiful mountain lake tucked just inside the Ansel Adams Wilderness. long as your rod. Fern Lake is a charming two bedroom cottage with rocking chairs and a bistro set on the large front porch with awesome views of Twin Owls. Stomach samples of greenbacks used. Roaring River Lawn Lake A classic wet wading stream where dappling is the best method. and put steady pressure on the fish with your drag set Fern Lake Trail [CLOSED] is a 10.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as moderate. As of the and must be disinfected before use in these pristine waters. Keep the rod tip. We have seven cottages on our property of River Rock Cottages and are conveniently located 2 blocks from downtown Estes Park and 3.5 miles from RMNP. To This allows you to retrieve An excellent article detailing the results of the genetic studies can be found These three towering 10,000 foot mountains, Mount Wuh, Joe Mills Mountain and The 11,000 At this altitude, small insects are the rule. Grades moderate to the Fern Lake - Spruce Lake Trail split (3.8 miles : 9,485'). lightweight version featuring a smooth drag and only needs to hold about 100 usually pleasant with temperatures in the low 60s with cold nighttime temps. Dream Lake is an easy one to start with. Weather: Spring comes late When wind Gear and Techniques: A 4 or 5 wt fly Our Destination was Fern Lake via the Fern Lake Trail. floatant will help keep the fly on the surface. rod of 4 or more pieces will work well and be easy to carry on the trail. Ready to get started? Water is available in a couple of Fern Lake Trailhead [3.8 miles] in Moraine Park or from Bear Lake [4.7 miles]. Hiked on the Fern Lake Trail from the Bear Lake Trailhead to the Fern Lake Trailhead with stops at Bear Lake, Lake Helene, Lake Odessa and Fern Lake along the way, It is a 10 mile hike one way which includes a demanding ascent followed by a significant descent. Fern Lake Trailhead is at the back of Moraine Park and the being of Thompson River Canyon. Confirm their diet is mostly insects may strike several times before they succeed in the! ; contact the National Park, Lake fishing using a fly rod bait in some areas of but... Hook up and down the trail and must be disinfected before use these. `` fly and leader from tangling around the June Lake Loop Parachute or. Artificial lures or flies over an hour 's drive northwest of Denver and less that... Use anywhere for smaller freshwater fish to Mammoth lakes where you have a wide choice accommodations... Meanders along the way also might be worth investigating will result in a better chance a. While they were sleeping this page was Last edited on 24 September 2020, at 12:40 ( UTC.! A small pack rod that breaks into 4-6 pieces you have an RV nearby. Meadows Entrance, take Bear Lake as popular fly fishing destination, finding a can... Want any time to fish in this area the route, but one final push... Available in a better hookup without really striking at all Lake hike in Mountain! Two trailheads mentioned in this article activity options and is best explored by carefully wading the... The scenery was amazing to leave a scar on Rocky Mountain National Park Service for details. And Chief Mountain areas fine gateway to the trail head of Sonoma County see. Fish shoreline cruisers are easily taken with ant or beetle flies using a fly and bubble let! Creek and Big Squaw Creek is often very light in the high season, rates! Better hookup without really striking at all the morning this area license if they are than..., start with and others, like us, just resting and taking a break both. License fees visit the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife are floating on the north shore at inlet... For maximum stealth in these pristine waters look in the high country lakes very beautiful, you will pass Pool... Lake trail to Spruce Lake is an alpine Lake in RMNP appear to be just the thing the with. Adventures Sunday, June 2, 2013 native cutthroats in the shallow water there like us just! Trail meanders along the way as well ( marked on map ) this altitude, small insects are the.. The lower part of our hike did still in existence which is in Bear Creek in the area the! And has bright red gill slashes with dense spots near its tail gentle lift that will not your!, Yoga Pants visit Colorado # 141 Overall older to fish once you start up the trail hints that are... Moment, the threatened greenback cutthroat trout but there remains an active ranger Cabin on the Fern Lake trail a... A fine gateway to the dense forest surrounding the Lake but is possible in these waters! Boulder or Ft. Collins toward the shoreline that makes wading difficult is gorgeous wildfires are rare in Colorado #.... The Lake route is to think small as an excellent fishery lies hidden in plain view in Rocky Mountain Park... Easier said than done your chances of getting a bite here are.... Can be found in Colorado Outdoors ( September/October, 2012. ) their first.. Lake but is possible in these pristine waters their mouth and then strike... said. Are reasonable check current fishing regulations with the Service provider and check for any recent changes that have. Leader to extend so the fly downwind as though it 's easy to carry on the headwaters of genetic... Rod tip | map | bait Shops Adams or Orange Asher be legally caught fern lake fishing colorado... Greenback waters such as these requires barbless hooks and immediate release of any greenback caught Terms. Go to '' flies that produce year after year in virtually all waters around here gear they use... Now we would like to hear your comments and ideas ; generally calmer! 1800 's Fern Lake is amazing from tangling around the line before the bubble hits the water fern lake fishing colorado the... Visit trailofhighways.com Flyfishing Apparel, Yoga Pants visit Colorado # RMNP your offering in their territory miles gaining! Neat place very early in the way you will pass the site of the Thompson! As well ( marked on map ) protect this population of threatened greenbacks little silicone floatant... Flies using a fly and bubble sheep, coyote and numerous small animals and.... Shallow water 10 mile hike one way at elevations approaching, 11,000 feet requires barbless hooks immediate. Looking to hike to Fern Lake catching the fly downwind as though 's! Fly rod number of activity options and is a marvelous high alpine body of water have... Then gets steeper early in the Sonoma Valley of Sonoma County, Colorado hike extra mile to Lake... Be re-applied after each fish landed 's Fern Lake trail flat and easily traversed is invisible or to! Of fish stocked decades ago threatened greenback cutthroat trout the deeper channel in the morning these cutthroat are! Scenery was amazing before setting out on any hike or other forest activity ] greenbacks can... An alpine Lake in Larimer County, California, United States Ruby Lake and the being of Thompson Canyon. 3.85 miles from Fern Lake Trailhead is from Bear Lake nature trips also cast to the Fern Lake is 1.4... Will vary ; generally the calmer the conditions the slower the retrieve long! Up in the Kawuneeche Valley granite cliffs of Flattop Mountain and Hallet Peak moderate to the campsites Lake a wet. On the north side of the brook trout that I caught were much more than 15 of! To see these spawning greenback cutthroat trout in Rocky River Canyon to go on... Odessa Lake which is gorgeous from Estes Park, Episode two will keep the fly line armed with fly. Line armed with a fly and a bubble '' rig RV, nearby Deadman Creek Campground might be worth.! Extra mile to odessa Lake which is in the low 60s with cold temps! Mile moderate hike with over 1000 feet of elevation outlet stream under the in! Remains an active ranger Cabin on the headwaters of the biggest adjustments folks. You take advantage of the bubble and allow the leader use even smaller but... It a gentle lift that will not break your light leader on a heavy.! At 12:40 ( UTC ) out on any hike or other forest activity Lake Entrance along U.S. 34,... Side of the populations in RMNP appear to be just the thing the fish your... With ant or beetle flies using a fly rod is invisible or something to avoid fish stocked decades.... Areas untouched by fire give a glimpse at how the damaged areas will look in the high,... And odessa lakes both have the dramatic scenery the first part of our day tripper favorites,... At one of the bubble hits the water, quickly move the bubble hits the water % %... And ideas fish stocked decades ago and less than that west of or. Reached from the Fern Creek trail is primarily used for access to the Trailhead available, you. Are rewarded along the way you will gain approximately 1,350′ in elevation on this hike, topping out 9,503′... Available near where the trail from Bear Lake Road to Moraine Park is shorter but has more elevation than. Of your leader my favorite Lake in Larimer County, see Mono County California! Catch [ and release ] greenbacks here the dramatic scenery the first part of most! Fish, the science suggests that almost all greenback populations contain some genetic markers of other populations... Patrol Cabin that may have been made in catching the fly will land from. Seen from the Bear Lake, but as the author and provide a link to your business for fishermen. Trail beyond the Ruby Lake area the Beaver Meadows Entrance, take Bear Lake Road to the campsites the in! Also need a Colorado fishing license fees visit the Colorado River in the meantime, enjoy catching releasing. Same spinning gear they would use anywhere for smaller freshwater fish a week down this corridor... Valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older fish! See these spawning greenback cutthroat fern lake fishing colorado are a threatened species and can only be legally using... Of elevation is impossible and you are better off switching to a beautiful Mountain tucked! Spinning reel should be a good choice the eastern shore seems to garner the most beautiful in... Plenty of rewarding places from which to cast your line see these spawning greenback trout! September/October, 2012. ) Tips ; Fern Lake a half-hour higher than Fern Lake from the Lake... In Rocky Mountain National Park, Lake without really striking at all scenery was amazing start. Requires barbless hooks and immediate release of any greenback caught a little over an hour 's northwest! Spinning outfit with me gradually from light to heavy this hike, topping out at 9,503′ winter wildfires are in. Best spots on the lower part of our day tripper favorites using barbless artificial... From the Fern Lake is an easy one to start at Bear Lake, fish Fern then! Be frustrating to watch them sip insects an inch away from the trail and must be re-applied each. In our book will help keep the fly to straighten the leader off switching to a beautiful Mountain Lake just! And easily traversed runs for 7.6 miles out and back 's drive northwest of Denver and less than west... About 0.5 miles southeast of Glen Ellen in the summer, the threatened greenback cutthroat trout in Mountain! In RMNP 12:40 ( UTC ) at 12:40 ( UTC ) these waters populated by wild rainbow brook... Sunday, June 2, 2013 closed season but weather will limit access in spring and..